Craig Dawson says the FA Cup has given this season added enjoyment and he doesn’t want to fall at the quarter-final stage once again.
The last eight is the furthest the defender has reached in the FA Cup and he is now a key part of the Wolves side hoping to overcome Coventry City to reach the semi-final. The 33-year-old has featured in each round, whether starting or off the bench, and now knows the challenge Coventry City will pose, but says Wolves will be fully focused on the task in hand against a strong Championship side.
On this season’s FA Cup run
“I’ve really enjoyed the FA Cup this year. We had a tough game at Brentford and then the joy of winning the game against West Brom, which was lovely, really good. It was great to go to the Hawthorns in a gold shirt and win – I really enjoyed it.
“It’s been a good run so far and credit to the management for going strong, seeing it as an opportunity to get to a final. Hopefully we can perform well in the quarter and see where it takes us.
“The Coventry tie is going to be tough, they’re doing well in the Championship and we need to be fully focused on the task ahead and hopefully after the game we’ve achieved our aim, but it’s going to be tough and one we’ll have to be at our best for.”
On the importance of the FA Cup
“For me, who started in non-league with the FA Trophy and FA Vase, to play in the FA Cup is a great honour, considering all its history. My memories, being a Man United fan, it was the ’99 Giggs goal in the semi-final at Villa Park. I remember watching that and then the final after – they’re good childhood memories.”
On playing in the FA Cup
“I’ve reached the quarter-finals, but not quite managed to get past it. Obviously, Saturday is a great opportunity and one we’ve got to be fully ready for, to take advantage. It’s going to be a tough game, but one I’m sure we can overcome.
“In 2015, I played Villa in the quarter-finals, but that’s the furthest I’ve been, so the Coventry tie is a great opportunity for us and the club to get to the semi-final of the competition.”
